PADIHAM shot holes in the division's meanest defence to strengthen their position at the top of the table after their tough fixture at the Barton Stadium on Saturday.

Neil Almond broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half when he raced away to beat Winsford keeper Matt Conkie in a one-on-one.

Matt Henry doubled Padiham's lead 15 minutes from time in a similar move, winning the duel with Conkie to grab his first goal for the club.

Winsford had a decent spell early in the second half when Chris Melia hit the post, while Padiham defenders Mark Derbyshire and Micky Charlton both made goal-line clearances. Rob Batty later saved Melia's well directed header.

Delighted Padiham manager Steve Wilkes said: "I was really pleased with the performance on Saturday after the disappointment of drawing the previous two games.

"The lads looked hungry again and it's always nice to beat teams who are going to be challenging."